Michigan FFA
2014 Discussion Meet
Contest Guide
Sponsored by:
The Michigan Farm Bureau
State Young Farmer Committee
What topics do we discuss?
There are two topics that have been chosen for the regional contest. The third
topic may be discussed at the state contest. They are included on a topic sheet
in this packet.
Who can compete?
Each FFA chapter can have up to three contestants in the regional contest.
From each region, the top three individuals will be chosen to compete at the
state contest.
When are the contests held?
The regional competitions are scheduled to be held during the fall. The state
competition will be held in December.
What can I win?
A plaque will be awarded to the 18 state contestants and prizes will be
awarded to the top six contestants.
Where do I sign up?
One advisor in each region has been selected to act as regional contest
coordinator for the Michigan Farm Bureau/Michigan FFA Discussion Meet. A list
of the coordinators is included. You will want to work through your advisor to
make sure that you get signed up.
Is there anything else I should know?
Included in this packet, you will find other important information about the
contest including a sample score sheet which the judges will be using. There is
also a list of helpful hints which you may find useful.
What is a Discussion Meet?
The “discussion meet” is a contest sponsored by the MFB State Young Farmer Committee.
The contest itself involves a moderator and contestants. The moderator’s responsibility is to
introduce the topic and the contestants, start the discussion, keep it on track, and see that no
one monopolizes the time. The contestants discuss a preselected topic.
The three fundamental bases of general discussion are constructive criticism, cooperation, and
communication. With this in mind, the participant’s responsibility is to exchange ideas and
information in an effort to solve a problem. The discussion should not be “conversation” or
aimless talk, nor should the participant take the role of a persuasive speaker. The participant
should attempt to cooperatively shed further light on the problem and tentatively retain a
flexible position. A successful participant is a productive thinker rather than an emotional
persuader, who is free to state beliefs and change positions whenever new information and
ideas make that a reasonable thing to do.
The discussion should follow these steps:
1. State the problem or need.
2. Explore, define, understand problem or need.
3. Identify causes of problem or need.
4. Elaborate all possible alternative solutions.
5. Evaluate and compare alternatives.
6. Test and project what appears to be the best solution.
7. Arrive at ways to implement the solution.
8. Teach the value of compromise.
9. Develop leaders.
Purpose of a Discussion Meet
The strength of Farm Bureau is largely in its ability to involve members in analyzing their
agricultural problems and deciding on solutions which best fit their needs. Experience has
proven that the discussion meet will provide an opportunity for greater participation on the part
of young, active farmers. It will help them to develop a greater command of basic discussion
skills. They will acquire a better understanding of how people can think in groups for the sake of
better understanding solutions to problems.
As a leadership training and self-improvement device, the discussion meet experience will:
1. Stimulate logical thinking and a desire for accurate information.
2. Develop a concise and convenient manner of speaking.
3. Develop the ability to listen.
4. Help the participant to overcome timidity or stage fright.
5. Assist the individual in learning to give and receive criticism in a gainful manner.
6. Teach the value of compromise.
7. Develop leaders for effective problem-solving through group discussion.
Parts of a Discussion Meet
There are three parts to a discussion meet contest; the opening statement, body of
discussion, and the closing statement.
1.
The opening statement is 30 seconds in length. The statement should be broad in
scope, show relevancy and importance of the topic.
2.
The body of the discussion is 20 minutes in length (30 at the state finals). During
the body of the discussion, you will want to first background the topic, discuss
why it is an issue, come up with solutions to the issue, and be sure to bring Farm
Bureau into the discussion.
3.
The closing statement is given at the end of the body of the discussion.
Contestants will be given one minute of quiet time to put their closing statements
together. Closing statements should summarize the discussion that took place
during the body....the closing statement should not be “canned.”
Scoring
Contestants will be scored in six areas:
1.
Opening statement
2.
Closing statement
3.
Delivery
4.
Problem solving
5.
Analysis of the topic
6.
Cooperative attitude
Each area is worth 100 points except for Cooperative Attitude, which is worth 200
points. A sample score sheet is attached. Contestants should remember that this is a
discussion....not a debate.
Suggestions for Discussion Meet Contestants
1.
Make the decision to enter the discussion meet as far in advance of the actual
meet as possible.
2.
Learn as much as possible about the procedure of the discussion meet.
3.
Acquaint yourself with the topics that will be used.
4.
Study as much material as possible relating to the topics.
5. At the time of the contest, be a little early for an orientation or instruction
meeting.
a. Become acquainted with the other contestants and moderator.
b. Ask questions to clarify any instructions that are not clear.
c. Listen carefully to the moderator as he outlines the procedures you will
follow.
6. During the contest:
a. Listen carefully to the moderator as he familiarizes the audience with what
is about to take place.
b. Listen carefully to the other contestants as they make their opening
statements.
c. Keep within the time limit of your opening statement.
d. There should be a conflict of ideas, but not of personalities. Remember,
this is a discussion, not a debate.
e. Be prepared to ask questions, state facts and opinions, and urge others to
be specific.
f. Be aware of the audience, but not to the exclusion of other contestants.
g. Participate whenever it will contribute to furthering the discussion without
monopolizing the time. Be enthusiastic and, in general, use logic rather
than emotion.
h. Make notes of key points as the discussion proceeds; you will use them to
develop your summary statement.
i. Use your one minute of time to organize your summary statement.
j. Stand and make your closing statement to the audience - use accepted
speech techniques - stay within the time limit.
Michigan FFA
2014 DISCUSSION MEET TOPICS
District
1. What role should FFA members have in educating and influencing lawmakers
along with fellow consumers, regarding the common misconceptions of modern
agriculture? How can agriscience students help others interpret the difference
between real food safety concerns and those that are just perception?
2. What role, if any, should organizations like the FFA, Farm Bureau, and other Ag.
commodity organizations play in addressing health and obesity issues?
Optional State Question
3. How can FFA members work with organizations like Farm Bureau to help unite all
types of agriculture (i.e. conventional, organic, large, small and niche markets) to
positively promote the agricultural industry? What ways can FFA students work to
promote a more positive image of agriculture in their communities?
Discussion Meet Contest Rating Sheet
TOPIC:
SUPERIOR
EXCELLENT
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
100
80
60
40
20
PARTICIPANTS TO
THE LEFT OF THE
MODERATOR
PARTICIPANTS TO
THE RIGHT OF THE
MODERATOR
COOPERATIVE ATTITUDE: (200 points)
1.
a.
Listening, asking pertinent questions,
airing all points of view, securing major
agreement, minimizing major differences.
(100 points)
b. Courtesy to other participants, encourage
discussion from other participants.
(100 points)
DELIVERY: (100 points)
a.
Voice quality, loudness, clear enunciation,
communicativeness, desirable sentence
structure and interesting choice of words.
MODERATOR
2.
PROBLEM SOLVING AND
3.
IMPLEMENTATION: (100 points)
a.
Ability and judgment in seeking answers
and solutions, planning and
organizational understanding including
Farm Bureau in implementing action
programs.
ANALYSIS OR TOPIC OR PROBLEM:
4.
(100 points)
a.
Does contestant attempt to identify
problem causes and remain on topic?
Knowledge, extent, and accuracy of facts.
OPENING STATEMENT: (100 points)
5.
a.
6.
Definition of problem, importance,
causes, effects, relevancy of problem.
CLOSING STATEMENT: (100 points)
a.
Ability to summarize discussion and
formulate direction for the future.
Total score for each contestant is
to be tabulated by Judge. Any tie
scores are to be broken by Judge.
Rank contestants: highest score =
1; second highest = 2, etc.
Signed:
TOTAL
RANK
Signed:
Room Chairman
Judge
2014 MFB / FFA Discussion Meet
Regional Contest Pre-Registration
Chapter:
Advisor:
Region:
Only three contestants per chapter are eligible to compete in the regional
discussion meet.
Contestant:
Contestant:
Contestant:
Alternate:
Alternate:
Alternate:
Return this form to the Agriscience Instructor that is hosting your region two (2)
weeks prior to the event.